The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-03-16

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis and Barroso Discuss Fiscal Policy Clear Message to Ankara

By Vagelis Theodorou

The Prime Minister, who met in Brussels with Commission President Jose Barroso, called on Turkey to sign the Protocol of Customs Union with the 10 new EU member states. "All the candidate members have to fulfill the criteria and the specific preconditions that are placed for their progress," stated Mr Karamanlis and concluded "in this context, Turkey has to sign the Ankara Protocol on time." On Monday, the Prime Minister will meet with his Turkish counterpart, while according to diplomatic sources the Foreign Minister, Petros Moliviatis will visit Ankara on April 12 or 13. In the meeting between Karamanlis and Barroso the fiscal policy of the EU, the 4th Community Support Framework and the main shareholder law were among the issues discussed.

"We Support the Commission's Proposal"

As far as the fiscal prospects of the EU are concerned and the amount of funds dispensed to member states during 2007-2013, Mr Karamanlis supported the Commissions proposal, according to which the funds that will be given in the 4th Community Support Framework will correspond to 1.24% of the GDP.

"It is a balanced proposal, since it guarantees the achievement of main EU goals, ensures the success of broadening, advances European continuity and effectively faces the problems and the challenges risen from the different development level between the 25 member states," stated the Prime Minister.

Mr Karamanlis also informed the President of the Commission for the counter of the issues that had risen in the past concerning the absorption of 3rd Community Support Framework funds, and the reform of the system of public works production. As the Prime Minister stated, a relative discussion took place on the course of the Lisbon strategy, while the conclusion was mutual, that the progress for the achievement of goals was not satisfactory in a European and national level.

The main shareholder bill was also discussed in the meeting. Mr Karamanlis repeated the position of the Greek government, that the law proceeds from article 14 of the Constitution and noted that the relevant government bodies are in the Commissions discretion for any relative discussion.

On Thursday, the Prime Minister will meet with the Prime Minister of Luxemburg and President of the European Union, Jean-Claude Juncker.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] Wolfowitz Head of World Bank

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: Reuters- BBC- ÁNA

He became known as a prime advocate of the war in Iraq, from the position of Deputy Defense Secretary. Now Paul Wolfowitz, with U.S. President Bushs proposal is said to head the World Bank. The 61-year-old official, one of the U.S. governments "hawks," was described by George W Bush as "a compassionate, decent man" committed to global development who "will do a good job." The 24 members of the Executive Board of the World Bank, announced that they are in discussion and is expected that they will adopt the American proposal for the President of the international organization. The news were welcomed in Great Britain, however the choice of the figure for this position is expected to cause reactions.

Bush's Hawk Lands Another Role

British Foreign Minister, Jack Straw, commenting on the proposal, described Wolfowitz as an excellent figure and with experience in international issues. "If his appointment is confirmed, we will be very happy to cooperate with him," stated Mr Straw, from Brussels. 61-year-old Paul Wolfowitz is considered to be a spokesperson of the neo-conservative wing of the American government, one of the architects of the war in Iraq and a supporter of George W Bushs strategy for the democratization of the Middle East.

The current President of the World Bank, James Wolfenshon, who was proposed by former U.S. President, Bill Clinton, had stated that he will leave next June. He has made clear that he would like to stay in the position, a fact that was not supported by the White House.

The World Bank has 184 member states and is responsible for leading global attempts for the advancement of economic growth and the counter of poverty.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] The Sex Vibration of Terror

By Vagelis Theodorou

A German post-office literally froze to the idea of a sex-bomb! Instead of an ethereal female entering the post-office rousing the crowd, a blow-up sex doll in her packet, at the delivery department did, when it started vibrating. The terrorized employees called the Police as they thought it was a bomb. The policemen evacuated the post-office and called the sender to the office. As it was revealed, the cause of the alarm was an electrical device in the doll. According to the sender, he wanted to return the doll as she was defective and vibrated at the wrong moments! Initially there were reservations, but order was reinstated when the sender removed the batteries from the doll and the defective product was returned to the company.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] PASOK Votes for New Secretary

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA- NET RADIO 105.8

The sessions of the partys National Council continue at the Benakis Museum, with the proposal of President of PASOK, Mr Papandreou of Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou, Head of the PASOK Parliamentary Group in the European Parliament, for the position of the partys Secretary. Mrs Xenogiannakopoulou is the only candidate for the position. Mr Papandreou presented the proposals for the members of the Political Council. In the election process, around 300 members of the party are participating, while the results are expected to emerge tonight. The President of PASOK addressed the sessions of the National Council with harsh criticism to the government, saying that it does not recognize the countrys problems, and personally to Mr Karamanlis, accounting him responsibility for twelve lost months of rule and the creation of a dead end to the countrys problems.

Papandreou: Government is Incapable and Unreliable

Continuing his attack he added, "the ND government every day displays its unreliability and its incapableness." Speaking about the Prime Minister he said "we see a PM weak from repeating pre-election proclamations and commitments and constantly postponing them to the future, at the same time when the reality contradicts him." The President of PASOK made reference to the main shareholder issue, and described it as farce, adding that the countrys prestige has been affected at an international level.

In relation to the verdict of the court dealing with election issues, according to which blank ballots are counted in, resulting to the redistribution of seats in the Parliament, spoke of a "judicial coup" and "major political issue concerning Mr Karamanlis personally."

He made reference to ethics and transparency matters in PASOK, condemning such phenomena based on personal relations and asked of the partys members "stances and attitudes which will respond to the demands of the Greek people."

Mr Papandreou ended his speech with his proposals for the position of Secretary of the National Council and the members of the Political Council, stating that the two main principles of continuity and renewal are ensured, while he described the period that PASOK is going through as transitional.

The members he proposed for the Political Council are the following: Nikos Athanasakis, Milena Apostolaki, Evangelos Venizelos, Fofi Genimata, Angela Gerekou, Maria Damanaki, Anna Diamantopoulou, Marilena Kopa, Stavros Lambrinidis, Polina Lampsa, Thanos Moraitis, Thodoros Pagalos, Vaso Papandreou, Christos Papoutsis, Vagelis Papachristos, Christos Polizogopoulos, Kostas Skandalidis, Rovertos Spiropoulos, Thanasis Tsouras and Panagiotis Fasoulas.

Apart from Mr Papandreous proposals the following submitted candidacy for the Political Council: Nora Katseli, Andonis Kotsakas, Paris Koukoulopoulos, Tonia Moropoulou, Pantelis Oikonomou and Giorgos Panagiotakopoulos. It is noted that todays process concerns the election of Secretary of the National Council and 20 members of the Political Council. The members who will participate in the other Committees will be elected in a following meeting.

Rousopoulos: They Should Apologize to the People

Mr Papandreous criticism caused the reaction of the government. "The President of the party disdained the Greek economy to the EU with cheap tricks, conned generations of Greeks and the conquest of the state, which unethically tricked contract workers and beat pensioners, and owes, before he preaches ethos, to apologize to the Greek people," was the Minister of State and government spokesperson, Mr Rousopoulos answer.

The Minister of Interior, Mr Pavlopoulos answered to Mr Papandreous references on the main shareholder issue. "Mr Papandreou confirms that his party and himself remain adhered in their past and cannot contribute to the attempt of upgrading the quality of democracy," he stated in his announcement and added that Mr Papandreous statements " break the myth of a renewal in PASOK and the so-called concur with the government for the consolidation of transparency and the counter of vested interest."

General Secretary of ND Central Committee, Mr Meimarakis accounted Mr Papandreou a weakness to find solutions to the problems accumulated by PASOK which leads him to shouting abuses to the PM.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

http://www.pasok.gr/

[05] A Matter of Days an Arrest or Surrender On the Hunt for Vavilis

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: NET- NET RADIO 105.8

The Police authorities seem to be a close to Apostolos Vavilis arrest or surrender, after his location in Italy or Albania, according to what has been made known by judicial sources. According to information, the authorities have not come to contact with him, but through his parents, who have taken the role of a negotiator. He expressed the will to surrender and asked for protection from the authorities, as he is concerned over his well-being. In the meantime Supreme Court Vice-Prosecutor, Giorgos Sanidas is expected to make charges to First Instance Court President, Evangelos Kalousis, and to people who submitted money in his accounts, around 80,000 euros, until Friday. First Instance Court Judge, Panagiota Tsevi has been prohibited to leave the country, after she did not submit a means test.

Surrender or Arrest?

The crimes that the phantom fugitive is being charged for are misdemeanors but the court authorities are investigating if he is also involved in more serious cases such as money laundering.

In the case that Vavilis surrenders, he will be taken to the Prosecutor, due to a pending warrant from 1999 that concerns drug trafficking. Following, he will be taken to interrogator, Eleni Sotiropoulou who is making a preliminary investigation and will be questioned as a witness.

In the case of an arrest abroad there are two possible scenarios: if he is arrested in a EU member state he will be extradited in Greece, while if he is arrested in a non-EU country the process emerging by intergovernmental agreements will be followed.

At the same time Zoi Papadima, who a month ago had stated in a television show that she has a letter of the Jerusalem Patriarchate on Vavilis actions, is on the foreground once again. Speaking to Skai radio station, she supported that the document states the Patriarchates acknowledgements to the Church of Greece for the help that Vavilis group offered at the election of Mr Eirinaios. However court sources stated to NET that Mrs Papadima has not testified, although she has been asked to, as opposed to her claims that the document has been made known to the authorities.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Net Tightens Around Vavilis

[06] 29 Killed, 29 Survived Plane Crashes in Russia

By Vivian Papastefanou

A multi-fatality airplane tragedy took place today in northern Russia, when an Antonov-24 crashed on landing near the town of Barandei in the Nenets autonomous region. The Russian Emergencies Ministry announced that 29 people were killed, while rescue crews located 23 survivors. As per Viktor Beltsov, a spokesman for the Ministry, there were 45 oil production workers and seven crewmembers aboard. According to the Russian Authorities, the plane caught fire when its wing clipped the ground on landing.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] In the Offices of Newspaper "Mirror" Strong Explosion in Baghdad

An explosion was recorded today in the offices of the newspaper Mirror, in the centre of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. Police Authorities announced that there were no victims from the blast, while it remains unclear whether mortar rounds or a car bomb caused it. The National Theatre and many hotels, where foreign businessmen are staying, are located close by. Mirror, which is published by Iraqis, is Baghdads only newspaper that is printed in English.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] Gradual Withdrawal

By Anna Kourti

Several members of Syrian intelligence services boarded two Lebanese buses headed to the Bekaa Valley, in eastern Lebanon. According to information by the French news agency, Syrian officials completed their withdrawal from their headquarters in Beirut today.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Fines up to 2 Mil Euros New Capital Market Bill to Parliament

By Athina Saloustrou

The Bill for the protection of the Capital Market from insider trading and manipulation was submitted to Parliament today. Offenders will be facing hefty fines, which may even reach 2 million euros. As per the Bill, a piece of information can be considered "privileged", provided the following preconditions apply:

i) It is specific, ie

It pertains to a situation that exists or is expected to take place, or an event that took place or is expected to take place, and It allows the drawing of conclusion for the possible consequences of this situation or event, to the prices of stocks or derivatives linked to those stocks

ii) It has not been made public

iii) It directly or indirectly relates to one or more issuers or one or more stocks

iv) Its publication could significantly influence the price of stocks it relates to, or their derivatives, ie it is information that a wise investor would consider essential when making investment decisions

This Bill will forbid people who have insider-trading information at hand, to use the information to directly or indirectly gain or make available, or try and gain or make available, stocks pertaining to the information in question for themselves or third parties. The information could have been acquired because they members of administrative, management of supervisory bodies of an issuer, or because of their participation in an issuers capital, or because they have access to such information due to their position or duties, or finally, because of illegal activities.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] Raises and Back Payments in April Pensions

By Vivian Papastefanou

The public sector pensioners will receive a further foreseeable raise of 4% and the first three months of back payments, on March 24. The Ministry of Economy is making an effort so that the raises and back payments of the April 27 pay roll will be given to public sector employees. In the meantime, on Friday, the legislative reform for the increase in public sector wages will be submitted in Parliament, which includes an average 7.5% increase of the dividend for 130,000 pensioners of the Joint Funds of Political Employees, owed since April 1, 2004. The pensioners of the Armed and Security Forces will receive the third installment of overdue benefits, depending on the case. The family funding for pensioners for the third child will be increased by 34%. A 6% Pensioners Social Solidarity Allowance (EKAS) increase, along with the back payments for January-April, will be dispensed to the public sector pensioners on April 22, in Mays pension.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Payments for Private Sector Pensioners

[11] It Fell by 1% Compared to January February Inflation Rate Dropped

By Athina Saloustrou

Greeces inflation rate shows a decline for the month of February, as per the data made public today in Brussels by the Community Statistical Office. As per Eurostat, the inflation rate dropped from 4.2% in January to 3.2% in February. Across the Eurozone, the inflation rate increased on average from 1.9% in January to 2.1% in February, while exactly a year ago it was at 1.6%. For the "25", the rate increased from 2% to 2.1%, while it was 1.9% a year ago. The lowest inflation rates for January were recorded in Finland with 0%, Denmark with 1%, Sweden with 1.2% and the Czech Republic with 1.4%, while the highest were recorded in Latvia with 7%, Estonia with 4.6%, Poland with 3.5% and Hungary with 3.4%. Compared to January, the inflation rate increased in 15 Member-States, dropped in 8 and remained at the same level in Italy, while there is no data available for Britain.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] First Ticket is "Yellow"

By Stathis Petropoulos

With an easy 2-0 against a poor Panionios, AEK became the first team to ensure its qualification to the "4" of the Greek Cup and awaits Olympiacos or Kastoria. AEK had a better performance during the game, except for the first minutes, and was not threatened at any point. On the other hand, Panionios was the first to threaten, in the 9 with Messaros attempting a shot but Michailidis blocking the attempt. AEKs answer was immediate and effective, since a minute later Julio Cesar received a centre shot by Assunsao and opened the score. AEK continued the good pace it had developed and before the completion of 30 minutes of the game, and in the 23 Lymberopoulos with a new centre shot by Assunsao doubled his teams goals.

Routine Procedure

The second half of the game was a typical procedure, since Panionios who played with absences did not attempt to react, so until the end the only attempts created were a shot by Lymberopoulos in the 72 which was blocked by Drobny, and a crossbar by Cesar in the 77.

Referee: Vasaras (Thessalonica) Yellow cards: Maniatis, Liberopoulos, Assunsao

AEK (Fernando Santos): Michailidis, Malbasa, Kontis, Moras, Alves, Katsouranis, Petkov (76 Kiriakidis), Assunsao, Julio Cesar (90 Konstantinidis), Soares (74 Bourbos), Lymberopoulos.

Panionios (Giorgos Vazakas): Drobny, Vlcek, Domoraud (50 Maniatis), Exouzidis, Goundoulakis, Galanopoulos, Tziolis, Kaisi, Breska, Nalitzis (74 Mantzios), Messaros (54 Kiassos).

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] No TV Coverage of Ergotelis Vs. AEK

By Stathis Petropoulos

The programme of the 23rd round of matches of A Division and the television broadcasts, which the game between AEK and Ergotelis is not included, was announced today. As far as the teams in the top of the Division are concerned, Panathinaikos will be playing in Kallithea on Saturday, at 18:15, and AEK against Ergotelis, on Sunday, at 15:30. In the rest of the games, Xanthi will be playing against Kerkira, on Saturday, at 17:45, while on Sunday two games will take place at 15:30. Ionikos against Aris and Apollona Kalamarias against Irakilis, in Kaftatzogleio Stadium. At 17:30, PAOK will play against Chalkidona and Panionios against Aigaleo, at 20:00.

The Programme

Saturday March 19

17:45 Xanthi vs. Kerkira ALPHA 19:30 Kallithea vs. Panathinaikos SUPERSPORT

Sunday March 20

15:30 Ionikos vs. Aris 15:30 Iraklis vs. Apollona Kalamarias 15:30 AEK vs. Ergotelis 17:30 PAOK vs. Chalkidona SUPERSPORT 18:15 OFI vs. Olympiacos SUPERSPORT 20:00 Panionios vs. Aigaleo ALPHA

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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